THIEVES in Huddersfield searching for Christmas bonuses will be out of luck this year.

Huddersfield police are joining forces with traffic wardens, car park attendants and street wardens from Kirklees Council to keep crime down in the run- up to Christmas.

They will also give out vital crime prevention advice.

Their first focus will be on vehicle crime and graffiti.

This weekend they will be working in the Market Hall area, putting up posters in car parks warning about vehicle crime and distributing crime prevention leaflets.

Next week, the focus will switch to Queensgate and the Springwood car park and underpasses area, to catch people going to and from work.

Sgt Alan Rhees-Cooper, head of the Target Team of police officers in Huddersfield town centre, said: "We want to encourage people not to leave anything visible on car seats or to load their car with Christmas presents and then set off into town to do more shopping.

"It's also surprising how many people forget to lock their cars. We just want people to be extra- vigilant in the run-up to the festive period."

Police are also urging people to look out for anyone daubing graffiti and to report them straight away.

Sgt Rhees-Cooper said: "We would also like information about anyone suspected of carrying out anti-social behaviour, so it can be dealt with."

Towards the end of next week the emphasis will be on vulnerable victims, with attention being paid to the area outside the Post Office in Northumberland Street.

Crime prevention advice will be offered to people visiting the post office - in particular the elderly collecting their pensions.

Mobile phone owners will also be able to get them security marked for safety. Greenhead Park will also be targeted, with extra help from the park warden.